The opening ceremony of the 5th Edition of the Pre-Professional Internships under the Leadership Program for the Conservation of Mozambique (PLCM), held on September 6, 2023, in Maputo City, brought optimism and hope for the future of biodiversity conservation in Mozambique, as 45 young professionals were launched into the sector.

The event, led by the Executive Director of BIOFUND, Luís Bernardo Honwana, was attended by representatives from the National Employment Institute (INEP), the National Directorate of Forests (DINAF), and the Government of Sweden. These strong partnerships highlight the PLCM’s unwavering commitment to integrating young people into high-impact conservation strategies.

Of the 45 selected interns, 31 will be placed across various Conservation Areas throughout Mozambique, from Maputo National Park to Quirimbas National Park. The remaining 14 will have the opportunity to work with central biodiversity conservation institutions such as the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), the National Directorate of Forests (DINAF), Fauna & Flora International (FFI), and the National Agency for Geospatial Development (ADE). Together, these young people are destined to become the next generation of conservation leaders.

Yuran Massangaie, one of the interns trained in Agriculture and assigned to Banhine National Park, shared his enthusiasm: “It’s a unique opportunity to apply my knowledge in agriculture in a way that benefits Mozambique’s biodiversity. I’m eager to bring practical innovations to the field of conservation.”

Coordinated by BIOFUND, in partnership with ANAC and funded by the World Bank and the Government of Sweden, the PLCM plays a crucial role in strengthening the capacities and skills of professionals within the National Conservation Areas System. It attracts and motivates young talents from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing leadership skills for conservation, and raises civil society awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation, with a special focus on youth. Follow PLCM’s activities on the Website and Facebook.